Talespin, the LA-based enterprise extended reality (XR) developer behind the Virtual Human platform, announced today new capabilities for its enterprise XR software platform, Talespin Runway. The company unveiled new virtual reality (VR) training modules that immerse learners in targeted subject matter that are designed to accelerate knowledge transfer for employees. Runway will now include an industry-first, insurance-specific VR training content library, as well as Talespin Propel, a new VR training product designed to power object- and process-based training across a variety of use cases.

Talespin aims to leverage XR technology to help people improve “uniquely human” skills, as the company notes that automation will impact traditional, process-oriented jobs, whereas critical thinking skills will be more necessary. Research on VR training has been proven to engage users and improves knowledge retention, such as the University of Maryland’s study that concluded that VR engages users more than passive media.

“There is no question that virtual reality is beneficial for accelerating learning and making training more efficient,” said Kyle Jackson, CEO & co-founder of Talespin, who I spoke to at VRX San Francisco 2018. “The challenge is that VR software is typically expensive to implement. We’re lowering the barrier to entry with our expanded platform, which helps any company better train its workforce and share knowledge with its employees. Our off-the-shelf content library for the insurance industry is just the beginning of our mission to help all industries bring the benefits of XR to their transformation story.” 

A preview of Talespin’s Shared Responsibility training module. Image courtesy of Talespin.

Talespin’s Runway platform currently features two core VR training products, including the newly unveiled Propel for VR job simulation, and CoPilot, which teaches soft skills training with virtual role-play.

Talespin provided the following breakdown between the two platforms:

  • Talespin Propel, for learning object- and process-based knowledge
    • Object-based learning modules accelerate familiarization and memorization for core concepts and objects, like recognizing residential construction materials, memorizing automotive parts, and identifying damage states within a home.
    • Object-based learning modules are designed to provide the knowledge base employees need to excel at more advanced process-based tasks and conversational learning modules.
    • Process-based learning modules simulate complex tasks, and help employees rapidly build experience before their first day on the job.
  • Talespin CoPilot, for soft skills training with virtual role-play
    • The platform’s conversational learning modules are powered by CoPilot, and task employees with conducting role-play with virtual humans. These learning modules help employees develop critical leadership and communication skills, and provide a safe space to practice challenging conversations.
A user undergoing Talespin’s Construction Basics training module. Image courtesy of Talespin.

Talespin Runway to Deliver Insurance Industry-Specific VR Training Content Library

Talespin’s Runway platform also includes an insurance-focused content library of experiential, VR training modules. The company notes that they were developed with subject matter experts (SMEs). The training content library’s first modules include the following:

  • Construction Materials Basics
    • Core construction materials, components, and concepts that go into building a residential home.
    • Module’s experiential nature improves the retention of foundational knowledge, helping insurance employees gain critical subject matter familiarity to deliver the best possible customer experiences.
  • Scoping Basics: Water Damage
    • Builds experience in the role of a Claims Representative by breaking the physical boundaries of what is typically possible in training, and virtually experiencing what it’s like to perform this task in the real world.
  • Auto Claim Shared Responsibility
    • Engages in virtual role-play with an AI character representing a 3rd party claimant. The learner must practice conversational techniques to discuss the claimant’s shared responsibility in an automobile accident, developing confidence and critical interpersonal skills to deliver a great customer experience in a moment that can greatly impact a customer relationship.
The three current offerings for VR training for the insurance industry. Image courtesy of Talespin.

Farmers Insurance, one of the largest insurance providers in the US, announced their intent to expand its use of VR training technology and further collaborate with Talespin to provide training to its Claims employees by becoming one of the first customers of the new training content library. 

“Talespin’s new enterprise XR solution, Runway, is yet another tool Farmers can utilize to train our Claims employees to help create a truly differentiated experience for our customers,” said Tim Murray, head of claims shared services for Farmers. “This content library empowers Farmers to leverage new and engaging forms of VR technology and training in a way that better serves our employees and allows us to continue to drive further innovation within the insurance industry.”

The company claims that Runway includes features for learning management, user administration, training analytics and scoring, as well as enterprise IT integration. The platform aims to allow enterprises to access training applications and content libraries across various subject matters, and enables learning and development teams to administer XR training at scale. According to Talespin, the technology is currently used by companies across the insurance, telecommunications, technology, and healthcare industries, primarily in the Fortune 500.